Jo Thiessen joined the KYGenWeb Project in April 1996 when the KYGenWeb Project was just being formed as coordinator for the Scott and Woodford County sites. In addition to acting county coordinator for Scott and Woodford Counties, she later also took on Harrison County for the KYGenWeb Project and she was deeply involved with all things historical in Scott County, KY.

Jo loved nature almost as much as she loved history. She excitedly told us about watching deer from the deck of her home in Georgetown, KY.

Jo was among the first of us who learned to use a digital camera. She was usually working on a new project but always had time to help others when they needed her.

We all loved and respected Jo; she is greatly missed.

Jo's Obituary:

Jo Caula Gregg Thiessen, born Jan. 19, 1931 in Covington, KY, daughter of Joseph and Mildred Payne Gregg, passed away Sun., July 18, 2004 at the Hospice Care Center in Lexington. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Jacob I. Thiessen, Georgetown, a daughter, Heather Thiessen of Corydon, IN, and a son, Jacob Gregg (Andrea) Thiessen of Washington, DC. Other survivors include an uncle, Thomas M. Payne of Opelousas, LA and special cousins, Zola Jean Collins, Corinth and Mary L. Ravenscroft, Kansas City, MO. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Boyce Gregg and Burns M. Gregg. Jo graduated from North Little Rock High School in Arkansas, Wheaton College in Illinois and LA County/USC School of Medical Technology; she received an MBA from the University of Southern California. She was a retired Medical Technologist, Director of Laboratories, and laboratory and systems consultant. After retiring to the Georgetown area in 1994, she was active in numerous non-profit community organizations, participating in the local chapter of the American Association of University Women, and serving as member and two-term president on the Board of the Georgetown/Scott County Museum, president and secretary of the Scott County Genealogical Society, and board member of the Scott County Arts Consortium. She was a charter member of the KYGenWeb group, developing Scott County's site in April, 1996. She was also active in the Kentucky State DAR Society and Georgetown's Big Spring Chapter, of which she was past regent. Funeral services will be 11 am Wed. at Johnson's Funeral Home with visitation from 5-8 pm today. Honorary pall bearers are Jerry Richardson, Ron Vance, Bill Smith, Steve Price, Joe Rhinehart, William Caroland, and Hu Wyatt. After cremation, Jo will be buried at Raven Creek Cemetery, Harrison Co.

Donations may be made to the Scott County Arts Consortium, C/O Barbara Strippelhoff, 2033 Longview Drive, Georgetown, Ky. 40324.

Published in the Lexington Herald-Leader on 7/20/2004.